JAMES EDWARD "Hippie" ROBERTSON
May 20, 1940 - April 25, 2017
It is with very heavy hearts and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, at the age of 76 on April 25, 2017. His son David, mother Ellen Elizabeth (nee Bartlett) of Riverside Corner, father Richard Riley of Windsor and other friends and family members whom passed before him remain close in our hearts and minds. While Jim spent the last 15 years of his life in Devon AB, life began in Windsor Nova Scotia. These family roots in the Maritimes remained ever close to Jim's heart and shaped him into the person we came to admire, respect and love today. Although distance kept family and friends apart, the abiding affection of his family and first home was always with him. Back home brought many stories and memories shared by Jim of his hockey exploits playing with the Windsor Maple Leafs. He beamed when he spoke of his teammates, the plays, the games and all his experiences on the ice. He was a hockey player of distinction. Shortly after graduation from the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology in Halifax, Jim's first job as a Machinist was with the Minas Basin Pulp and Power Company Ltd. A master tradesman, his profession brought him and family west decades ago, where earlier Jim obtained a second trade certification in the Millwright craft in Prince George, BC, and from this built an enviable reputation and career in the western provinces pulp and paper, oil, gas and petrochemical manufacturing industries. He was very proud of his work, many professional accomplishments and his passion for his craft never wavered. Always before work and career, came Dads love and affection to his wife of 51 years Barbara Anne (nee Tracey); his children David (Karen), Rod (Irene), Kim (Everett), Wanda (Barry), Andy (Jillian); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters; Richard (Clora); Joan (Norm); Carolyn (Wayne); Johnny (Shirley); Joe (Joan) and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be announced later in May with a date, time and location TBD to celebrate his life and share some stories for the ages.
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly suggests donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca) of Alberta.
In memory of Jim; tributes, condolences and pictures may be left at www.hainstockleduc.com, Hainstock and Son Funeral Chapel - Leduc, AB. 780-986-2151.